Centre, West Bengal sign MoU for four new airports to boost air connectivity

New Delhi, Oct 05, 2026 : Four new airports will be developed in West Bengal within the next two years to boost air connectivity. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed today between the Centre and the state government at Nabanna in presence of the Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari.

Mr Naidu said the plan includes civil enclaves at Hasimara and Kalaikunda, expansion of Balurghat airport and construction of a new airport in Purulia.

He said the 2,700-metre runway at Kalaikunda will be able to handle aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Plans are also underway for a new terminal at Bagdogra, more international flights from Kolkata and direct connectivity with Europe.

Mr Naidu said the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 now. Under the revised UDAN scheme, another 100 airports are planned over the next ten years, with four in West Bengal being given priority.

Chief Minister Adhikari urged the Centre to introduce direct flights from Kolkata to European cities and expand connectivity from Andal to major destinations. He also sought direct flights to Ayodhya, Tirupati and Amritsar.

Mr Adhikari said work has begun on a proposal for a second international airport for Kolkata at Kalyani, on around 2,000 acres of land. He also sought approval for a flying training institute at Behala.

The new airports, he said, would boost agriculture, tourism, industry, investment, employment and regional connectivity.